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The differences between clinical research specialists and research specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a clinical research specialist, becoming a research specialist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a clinical research specialist has an average salary of $60,945, which is higher than the $52,662 average annual salary of a research specialist.
The top three skills for a clinical research specialist include patients, clinical trials and informed consent. The most important skills for a research specialist are data collection, patients, and research projects.
| Clinical Research Specialist | Research Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $60,945 | $52,662 |
| Hourly rate | $29.30 | $25.32 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 19% |
| Number of jobs | 96,707 | 79,341 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 6 |
An air traffic controller specializes in overseeing and directing airspace traffic, all while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travels. Generally assigned in ground control centers and towers, an air traffic controller's responsibilities revolve around utilizing technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel. They also work on coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel should there be any emergencies.
In a laboratory setting, a research specialist's responsibilities primarily revolve around conducting thorough research and analysis, producing extensive detailed reports, reviewing results, and coordinating with senior researchers and other laboratory personnel to ensure the accuracy of results. Furthermore, a research specialist may contribute their expertise to other publications and articles, train or supervise new researchers, and implement all laboratory guidelines and safety regulations at all times.
Clinical research specialists and research specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Clinical Research Specialist | Research Specialist | |
| Average salary | $60,945 | $52,662 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $87,000 | Between $35,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Edwards Lifesciences | Novartis |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Technology |
There are a few differences between a clinical research specialist and a research specialist in terms of educational background:
| Clinical Research Specialist | Research Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Biology | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Georgia |
Here are the differences between clinical research specialists' and research specialists' demographics:
| Clinical Research Specialist | Research Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5% | Male, 38.0% Female, 62.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.6% Unknown, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 11.0% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 11.2% Asian, 14.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 10% |